Tebow won Denver’s starting quarterback job in 2011 after dramatically leading the once dead-in-the-water club to an AFC West title and a first-round playoff victory despite his unconventional mechanics and playing style. Yet he clearly would be forced out of that role if and when Manning, a four-time MVP and arguably the greatest signal caller of his generation, officially signs with Denver.

Tebow, for all the success and popularity he got as a first-year starting quarterback, was a statistical disaster. He completed less than 47% of his throws, the lowest rate of any NFL starter last season. But he became known for his “Tebow Time” performances, in which he’d play poorly from the opening of the game until the third quarter, yet transform and perform brilliantly in the final moments and lead the Broncos to a last-minute win.

While Denver could keep both quarterbacks on the roster, it’s fair to question whether Tebow, who played in a simplified offensive scheme, would really benefit enormously from playing behind Manning, who is his polar opposite as a passer. And for that reason, it seems likely that the Broncos trade the 24-year-old to a club that’s willing to develop and polish him into a more solid passer.

Tebow is heading into Year Three of his five-year, $11.25-million rookie contract, which is far from a liability as far as deals go. Still, a personnel executive from one NFL team said Tebow’s trade value would be “lower than that of an average starting quarterback” — perhaps a fourth-round pick or two in the upcoming NFL draft — largely because his situation in Denver was unique and “nearly ideal.” (One reason for Denver to hedge: Manning’s camp told at least one league owner recently that the quarterback was only 85% recovered from the neck injury that forced him to miss all of 2011 for Indianapolis. Manning also turns 36 this week.)

Aside from Denver’s impressive defense and strong-legged kicker — both of which kept them in games throughout the season despite a lackluster offense — the person cited Broncos coach John Fox and how he decided to blow up the team’s offensive playbook. Doing so allowed Tebow to run a college-football-like scheme that catered to his strengths. That’ll hardly be automatic wherever he goes next.

Speculation concerning Tebow’s future always centers on Jacksonville (Tebow’s hometown), which is close to where the quarterback compiled his legendary college career at the University of Florida and could benefit from whatever jolt he’d give the downtrodden franchise at the box office. (The Jags did just sign free-agent quarterback Chad Henne, who would seem to have a decent shot at displacing 22-year-old Blaine Gabbert for the starting job. But most locals would happily leave either of those guys at the altar for Tebow.)

Beyond that, it’s unclear where, if anywhere, he might garner another immediate chance to start. He’d be an ideal back-up behind Michael Vick in Philadelphia. But as a starter? The Jaguars are really the only team that makes sense.

Comments (5 of 27)

Congratulations to Broncos, Elway and John fox to have recruited the best QB that HAD played football. Payton has always had great receivers around him, great running backs. Now he will have Dallas Clark!!!!!???
I can see easily what is going to happen. Here is the future. Manning will play 8 games. Win 6 and looses 2. He will be hurt for rest of the season. Denver will not make it to playoff. The salary cap in Denver will not allow them to pick another great QB. Payton will not play 2013 and then cut.
What would I do!!!! I would fire John Fox. He is by far the worst coach. I would keep Tebow, we need him for the 9th game and there after.
Keep in mind, that Elway had the opportunity to bring Jim Harbaugh and opted to have Fox. He is doing the same for QB, RB, and TE Position. It is been proven almost every time , that players need to retire when they become 35-36 years old. One last request from all of you. Please do not attack religion, race. This is a business, and Tebow has been good for Broncos and city of Denver. I live in LA, but a Bronco Fan. I will still visit Denver to see Broncos, visit SanDiego to see Broncos, will not go to Oakland!!!. I vote to get a real coach that can create a team of coaches to develope players.

10:46 pm March 19, 2012

Flo Joe wrote:

Tebow needs to play under Peyton. Thats what he needs to do to get better. Peyton doesnt have a ton of time left on himself, but Tebow would be perfect to pick up where Peyton would leave off. Tebow needs to stay in Denver and learn from on of the best.

10:27 pm March 19, 2012

David wrote:

Those of us old enough to remember Bart Starr may know that he was a total unknown 17th round draft choice of the Packers in 1956. He became one of the greatest quaterbacks of all time. He was a master of reading defenses and threw interceptions rarely. Mr Tebow certainly is no Bart Starr but I simply feel that two years of experience may not be enough to make a final conclusion on a QB. I took Starr four years to prove himself.

10:16 pm March 19, 2012

Captain Crunch wrote:

I have been a Jaguars season ticket holder since the start (1995). The team currently stinks because it is afraid to take a chance on anything except injury prone free agents. Sign Tebow and step it up...

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